Every manager and leader needs to have some critical HR skills regardless of if they have an HR team or a consultant supporting them. The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the need for strong people skills, and the plethora of people-related issues that may pop up when leading people.

Practice management software allows you to streamline your appointment bookings, invoicing, and patient notes. You can often integrate your Practice management software with other software programs, and many now offer options for telehealth! Keep reading to find out some of the things that should be considered when choosing your Practice management software.

Pay transparency - a topic that evokes two extreme responses. Is it a thing that could help us solve the issue of the gender pay gap, which sits currently at 13.8% here in Australia? Or is it a recipe for a disaster?

The probation period is implemented at the beginning of the employment relationship. The probation period gives the Employer an opportunity to ensure that the employee is suitable for the role that they have been employed to complete. It also provides the employee with an opportunity to ensure they receive adequate training and support as they learn their new role with the organisation. The Employer decides on the length of the probation period and should include this in the employment contract. The probation period varies between industries and often ranges from three to six months. 

An employment contract is an agreement between the Employer and the Employee that sets out the terms and conditions of employment. It can be written or verbal, but a clearly written contract will assist both parties in understanding their rights and responsibilities, and it will also protect your business, for example through confidentiality and intellectual property terms.

Many of us are familiar with the 'three warning' rule - three strikes and you are out. This is actually a common misconception, and such a rule does not exist. If this was the case, employees could do basically whatever they wish on the first two occasions, knowing that they need three strikes before they are out. At the same time, employers can't just sack anyone willy-nilly. It is extremely important that your employment contract clearly states the reasons for summary dismissal, as well as references the organisation's dismissal process. Employees may have a case for unfair dismissal if they are dismissed from their job in a harsh, unjust, and unreasonable manner.

It is common in the allied health industry to use sub-contractors to provide services, especially when you are not ready to take the leap to employ someone on a permanent basis. However, it is important to understand that whether a worker is a contractor or an employee is determined by the nature of the relationship, not what the agreement is called. What are some of the risks involved in engaging with independent contractors?

In Australia, Allied Health Practitioners don't get taught business subjects as part of their degree (excluding chiropractors). Therefore, it can be extremely challenging to start up your own business! Below I have listed some common start-up mistakes, and hopefully, this information will help you in your journey to becoming a business owner.

As part of the interview process, we ask multiple questions to ensure that we get the right fit for our business. It is so vital that we understand the candidate’s character, behaviour and skill sets so we make the right hiring decision. But... asking the wrong questions can have serious consequences for your business.